tarylina
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since May 2004
Posts: 84
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Post by tarylina on May 27, 2004 22:31:28 GMT -5
Well, I tried my sugar filler and I swear it made things worse. DO NOT TRY THIS. I think the sugar crystals actually acted as a grind and not a filler. After the first two days I took the rocks out and they looked duller than when I put them in! I switched to sawdust as a filler (because I HATE to shop and LOVE to experiment) and so far things are lovely. I checked them again today and they are getting pretty! Another day or two and then on to polish. It's kind of sad how they change so much, though. Mine shrank quite a bit but I still have my favorite runt! It's kind of a dark maroon with black streaks. Any ideas on what it could be?
I need new rocks to tumble. Cookie, what's going on with e-bay and paypal? Is that not secure any more? That's where I got my sapphires and rubies, and I was thinking of placing another order for rocks that were easier to tumble. Is this a bad idea?
Please help - where can I buy new rocks and what kind should I look for? I like color, but I'm 'toopid when it comes to rocks. I have one rock that is the prettiest tan color with black streaks running through it (not my favorite but it is pretty) - I have no idea what kind it is but it came in my Thumbler kit. I was thinking about ordering a load of beach rocks from Thumblers, any ideas on this?
I'm going to Arizona this summer by the way (Scottsdale) - is there a good shop there that anyone knows of? My first batch is almost done and I'm already excited about the next. This hobby is really addicting. I
Like I need another addiction...
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Post by cookie3rocks on May 27, 2004 22:51:47 GMT -5
Hi Tarylina, I had a bid with ebay awhile back and got an email saying I had won my bid, how did I want to paY? It gave a link to pay pal and I entered my cc number before I realised the bid did not end for another 24 hours. By the time I canceled my card (after speaking to every one here about what happened) They got me for $250.00. Within minutes! Be so careful! The email looked so legit. I reported it and they said it was a hoax, then a little while later I got another very formal looking email saying it wasn't. Luckily Sandman had told me of a similar experience he had and I knew what was up. cookie
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Post by cookie3rocks on May 27, 2004 22:57:56 GMT -5
Sawdust, hmmmm.. where did you get the idea for that? I finally spent the money to have a full batch of agate so I know everthing will bw the same hardness and if it doesn't work, it's all my fault, hehe. Keep us posted. Sounds like you may be on to something ;D
cookie or Nanette or something
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Post by sandsman1 on May 27, 2004 22:59:41 GMT -5
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llanago
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,714
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Post by llanago on May 27, 2004 23:13:05 GMT -5
Tary, Banjocreek did have some beautiful green adventurine and some red and yellow jasper he offered for sale. You might want to send him a PM and see if he has anymore. The green adventurine is really nice, as is the jasper. I don't have any finished yet, but I expect it's gonna be reallyy pretty finished. He is also from Arizona and can probably give you some info about rock shops there. And rock hounding places where you can find your own.
The rock shop Barbara and I go to has Laredo/Rio Grande agates for $1.00/lb. The rockhound guy that set up the Falls City Trip and has rockhounded all over the place said they are the most underrated agates on the market. I bought several last time we were there and they are really pretty. And, you can't beat the $1.00 a pound price. Don't know when I will be going to the rock shop again, but if you would like, I will let you know and pick up some for you.
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tarylina
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since May 2004
Posts: 84
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Post by tarylina on May 27, 2004 23:34:48 GMT -5
Cookie - I got the idea for sawdust from my instruction booklet that came with my tumbler (also where I got the idea for a sugar filler) and my husband brought me home a huge bag from work. The sawdust was a good idea, but the sugar was NOT.
Sanddman1 - thanks Sandsman1, I will try those. I'm so looking forward to new rocks. I can see all the money I save refusing to go into an actual store will go to buying rocks online. Grocery money be damned! Let them eat rocks! (Just kidding)
Llanago - I will contact Banjocreek to see what he has. Yes, if you go again please let me know. I'll give you my address for shipping charges and include extra for the effort you have gone to. Thanks bunches! Where do you live?
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SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
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Post by SirRoxalot on May 28, 2004 9:24:31 GMT -5
Hmmm, a gal that hates shopping and loves to experiment! What's your number?
Seriously though, there's lots better places to buy rocks than eBay, which is knucklehead central. Rockshed is great, there are tons out there; check out the other board where people post their experiences with vendors, good and bad. Lotsa online shops have photos too, so you know more or less what you're getting. Start with the cheap stuff; if they have a clue as to what customer service is, then stick with 'em.
It's definitely best to find a local rock shop, if you have one. Mine is an hour away, but it's still worth it, some of his prices are about 1/5th of those online, and not paying for shipping covers the gas bill. Y ou can handle the goods, see if they're solid and free of pits, etc, and how colorful they really are. Nothing beats poking through a few hundred tons of rough on a nice summer day, what fun.
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Post by docone31 on May 28, 2004 13:39:11 GMT -5
I use walnut filler for end tumble. I get my walnut filler from Cabelas in the shooting catalogue. I also use a lot of reloading equipment for tumbling. I have found the items to be identical and very inexpensive, comparatively. Walnut makes for a nice shine.
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tarylina
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since May 2004
Posts: 84
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Post by tarylina on May 28, 2004 19:09:13 GMT -5
I was going to reply on the walnut filler, but then I got distracted by your little saying at the ending. Weird, but cool.
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bschultz
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2004
Posts: 234
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Post by bschultz on May 29, 2004 11:36:37 GMT -5
Hey Tary, if you don't want to wait for Llana or Barb to go to the rock shop you could go to their Website. It's alamorockshop.com. They would probably ship some to you. Bob
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tarylina
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since May 2004
Posts: 84
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Post by tarylina on May 30, 2004 18:11:42 GMT -5
Thanks, Bob! I went to their website and they have some really cool stuff. I sent them an e-mail to see if they would ship, so I'll let you know. Thanks again!
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bwalters
has rocks in the head
Member since March 2004
Posts: 557
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Post by bwalters on May 31, 2004 22:05:45 GMT -5
Dang it, Bob! If you hadn't clued Taryl into the website, I might could've talked Llana into a trip to the rock shop to get stuff for Taryl. Now you blew my chances! Just kidding, of course! But I really would like to go to the rock shop, and I already have more than I can tumble for the next several months. I'm beginning to think that this thing we suffer from may be a DISEASE! BE
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Post by cookie3rocks on May 31, 2004 23:13:29 GMT -5
BE, you're just now figuring that out? ;D
cookie
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tarylina
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since May 2004
Posts: 84
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Post by tarylina on May 31, 2004 23:24:25 GMT -5
No kidding! I view every rock I see in a whole new light now. I want to tumble them all!! HA HA HA HEE HEE!
Sorry, I had a moment. But seriously, I just put my first batch into polish and I'm seriously hankerin' to get my next batch picked out. So many websites; so many pretty rocks to choose from! They're everywhere!
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Jun 1, 2004 19:53:22 GMT -5
you have a real bad case of rock sickness; sorry there is no cure you will only suffer for the rest of your life
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tarylina
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since May 2004
Posts: 84
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Post by tarylina on Jun 1, 2004 20:10:49 GMT -5
"Hello, my name is Taryl. I'm a rockaholic." They have a support group for everything - this is ours. So, what is our ten-step plan? 1) Research the message board; 2) Decide what hardness rocks you have and which ones you can tumble together; 3) Research the message board; 4) If you don't have a full load, find an appropriate filler (NOT sugar!!) 4) Tumble in coarse grit for one week... Actually, I think ours is more like a 20-step program with lots of variables, depending on which kind of "rocks" you are addicted to!!
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Post by cookie3rocks on Jun 1, 2004 20:52:15 GMT -5
HEHE Taryl And every other step is "research the message board" In case of an emergency, IM James. And of course, if the wait becomes unbearable, we are all each others sponsors. ;D
cookie
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duke
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since May 2004
Posts: 77
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Post by duke on Jun 8, 2004 8:18:10 GMT -5
Hi tarylina I was wondering, how did your rocks turn out that you used the sawdust in? Did you use the sawdust in the 'pre-polish' stage? I suppose you used the sawdust instead of the plastic pellets? Or what? Thanks duke
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Post by hermatite on Jun 8, 2004 9:24:19 GMT -5
I can't emphasize enough how much I love the rockshed. Let me put it this way, if the rockshed was a tall nordic looking blonde, I'd marry it (man...woman... I wouldn't care...it's THAT good). I bought a bunch of the small mixed crush and it's turning out so lovely...it's in the polish now. And the best part is I didn't even have to break any of it up. It's just ...how do I say this...you know how it is when the sun hits the face of someone you love in just that certain way that makes your breath catch in your throat and you think that, just for an instant you might cry with happiness? THAT'S how nice these rocks are going to be. I am NOT exaggerating. The Rockshed. 'nuf said.
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Post by krazydiamond on Jun 8, 2004 18:40:01 GMT -5
rock sickness...my new addiction, yes, yes. i've just put a batch from the rockshed into the polish cycle and can't wait (squealing with delight) as they are looking VERY good. i'm learning quite a bit as i explore more of this site. i need more barrels....i need more rocks....i NEED !
seriously folks, you guys are good and i can only aspire to near greatness in your shadows.....and i'm having a ball in the process. "happiness is a polished rock".
i've been glueing mounting studs in my newly drilled rocks, necklaces on the hoof. no such thing as too much fun...
KD
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